Home Log in or Register

Message Forums

Welcome Guest

Reception - All Forums

Camping under canvas

Topic: Nervous Trailer Owner....

allun13

11/3/2012 at 12:54am
Location: Dartford Kent
Outfit: Pilote Motorhome

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 08/6/2010

Standard Member

Forum Posts: 4
Tent Reviews: 1

Site Reviews Total:	17

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	2

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	2

Hi All,

I'm nervous because i've just obtained a very old, very rotten 5X3 wooden Trailer. I've refurbed it and It looks fantastic..

I've always wanted one and now I have one.

So what am I nervous about?

Worried about towing
Worried about loading/packing it correctly
Worried about the nose weight
Worried about reversing
worried about being worried bout trailers...

Seriously, not REALLY over worried bout All of them but do feel a bit anxious bout all of 'em.
Someone put my mind at rest and tell me it's all going to be ok and It'll be just how I imagined towing/owning a trailer to be......Please

Allun

-------------
Its ALWAYS Sunny - the next day......

Camping nutcase

11/3/2012 at 7:13am
Location: Bootle
Outfit: various tents & A steam train

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 26/9/2004

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 4261
Tent Reviews: 1

Site Reviews Total:	8

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

Things to remember when towing.
You speed is reduced - max 60mph. on motorways etc.
So long as the trailer is narrower than the car, if the car fits through so will the trailer.
You will need wider gaps when pulling out into traffic, at roundabout etc.
Also you braking distance will be increased as the trailer will push you forward.
My trailer is a sod to reverse, so I just unhook, and man handle it.   Lots of people do this with small trailers.   Even Richard who used to back artic over a pit says it is a sod to reverse, because you can not see it and it reacts very quickly.
When we first got a trailer Richard made me tow.   Shove something in the thing and run it around locally so that you get the feel of the thing.
You will get used to it - I know think nothing of taking a load of stuff to the tip in ours.
I have also found that a cargo net is far easier than bungee cords.
When putting waterproof sheets over your camping stuff, sheet from back to front so that the wind can not get under them as easily.

89angela

11/3/2012 at 7:13am
Location: Cheshire
Outfit: Pennine Pullman & Cabanon Tent

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 27/8/2008

Platinum Member

Forum Posts: 1219
Tent Reviews: 1

Site Reviews Total:	7

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

the only way to over come your doubts is to hitch up and tow it try it empty at first it will bounce about a bit but take it steady,the first time i did was collecting our pennine fiesta and bringing it home and that was as wide as the car and weighed 750 kg.you probably wont notice its there just make sure its hitched on correctly[including breakaway cable] tyre pressures are correct.reversing is going to be tough as such a small trailer will turn v quickly probably easier to unhitch and push it.

have fun ange

LewLincs3

11/3/2012 at 8:01am
Location: Grimsby Lincs
Outfit: Vango Maritsa 700

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 04/9/2010

Platinum Member

Forum Posts: 1283
Tent Reviews: 5

Site Reviews Total:	10

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

We've got a smallish one (Erde 122 with ABS lid) and although I can't drive so I can't comment personally, hubby says it's like it's not there...so the thing to remember is that it IS there and drive accordingly!

It makes it so much easier when you're going camping - we just hitch the trailer, pack the stuff that doesn't fit in the trailer in the boot (a couple of tables, the toilet, kitchen box) and the things that live inside the house - Sleeping bags, blankets, clothes etc and off we go.

It's the same arriving home too, just unhitch the trailer, put it in the garage, and unpack the few bits in the car - it makes last minute trips much more enjoyable

Good luck with it!

Post last edited on 11/03/2012 08:54:26

-------------
Bev :o)

2013
March - Pooley Bridge (Pod booked!)
May - Spiers House, Pickering
June - La Garangeoire, Vendee, France
Aug - The Cotswolds?

billy106

11/3/2012 at 8:16am
Location:
Outfit:

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 08/3/2007

Platinum Member

Forum Posts: 1254

Site Reviews Total:	3

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

Exactly how I felt when first bought our erde 142

The other posts say it all so dont worry too much my only problem is reversing so I just un hitch it then put it back on

-------------
Billy

2015
Jan Hardhurst Farm
Feb. Carriage House Marsden
Feb Red Squirrel Glencoe
March Coopers
April Coopers
May Riverside
Aug. Tribfest Yorkshire

Opensauce

11/3/2012 at 8:22am
Location:
Outfit:

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 25/1/2010

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 4530

Site Reviews Total:	13

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

You are not going to exceed your car's noseweight with a small trailer, just ensure you distribute the weight evenly with a slight bias to front. If tyres are many yrs old I suggest you replace them even if tread is ok.

jelboy53

11/3/2012 at 9:13am
Location: Cumbernauld Scotland
Outfit: Monty 6Icarus 500 Halo 300

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 04/5/2003

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 8617
Tent Reviews: 3

Site Reviews Total:	6

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

I've towed trailers several times over the years..and always been nervous for about the 1st hour of any journey.."Have I connected it up right, are the lights working ok etc etc"...Even though I had double checked all these things before we set off...

I have never ever reversed a trailer except once. TT, Small country side road enclosed by hedges...Tootling along when a big horse trailer came the opposite way...Never even thought about it..reversed straight through a field entrance and let him pass..Other than that I would unhitch and turn it by hand..

At M/way services I would try and find two empty spaces (one in front of the other)Allowing me to drive straight in...and straight out again..or if services busy I would use the lorry park side,as caravans do, and use one of the smaller marked off areas...

One tip I would give if the trailer is lower than the back window of your car, and not easily seen from your driving position..Is to attach some sort of marker to the front or back of the trailer that can be seen from your mirror I used an old whip areaiel (sp) from a car with a small Scotland flag attached so I could check the trailer was still there from time to time...

Daughter, little minx that she was, got her dad good and proper on one trip..Pulled away from the parking at services. Daughter shouts "Dad you've left the trailer behind!!!!" I looked couldn't see the marker..and had brown stuff running down me shorts...she had turned the thing the other way up so I could not see it..After a good laugh..and a stern lecture from me on road safety we continued on our way...

Jelboy.

-------------
Campers of the storm,Into this world are born

Some days are Diamonds...Some days are stone...

gilb29

11/3/2012 at 1:40pm
Location: Northants
Outfit: Sterling Eccles Sport 585

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 04/4/2010

Silver Member

Forum Posts: 145

Site Reviews Total:	2

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

i have just got a trailer with the abs top and took it out to get used to it.

-------------
Loads of CC sites to many to mention.

dk168

11/3/2012 at 2:01pm
Location: Devizes Wiltshire
Outfit: MWB VW Crafter PVC

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 19/6/2009

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 9596
Tent Reviews: 6

Site Reviews Total:	56

Site Reviews 2024:	9
Site Reviews 2023:	9
Site Reviews 2022:	8
Site Reviews 2021:	9
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	45
Site Nights 2023:	47
Site Nights 2022:	46
Site Nights 2021:	34
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

Good advice for future reference when I eventually get my trailer.

Thank you all!

DK

-------------
* Apple The Campervan - A Van For Work, Rest And Play! *
- 2025 - inc. FR & DE
- 2024 - 10/56 inc. FR & NL
- 2023 - 48 inc. FR
- 2022 - 49
- 2021 - 34
* Ex-tenter & solo female camper *
* Treat life events like a dog: If you can't eat it, play with it, or hump it, p1$$ on it and walk away! *

allun13

11/3/2012 at 6:20pm
Location: Dartford Kent
Outfit: Pilote Motorhome

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 08/6/2010

Standard Member

Forum Posts: 4
Tent Reviews: 1

Site Reviews Total:	17

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	2

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	2

Thank you All for the good advice.

Will enjoy being a Trailer owner I'm Sure

Allun

-------------
Its ALWAYS Sunny - the next day......

Jam_Man

11/3/2012 at 10:17pm
Location: None Entered
Outfit: None Entered

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 02/1/2008

Silver Member

Forum Posts: 140

Site Reviews Total:	10

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

After 10 minutes you really dont notice its there.

Dont try reversing a small trailer, just unhitch and do it by hand.

Acceleration is massively affected so make allowances on motorways etc

Just take it easy and keep speed to 60mph and its a peace of cake!

moppetsdad

12/3/2012 at 5:58am
Location: The foot hills of no
Outfit: A full biohazard su

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 29/3/2009

Platinum Member

Forum Posts: 1032
Tent Reviews: 1

Site Reviews Total:	0

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

Also don't be tempted to take corners wider then you do without a trailer no need unless it is a very very tight one and or your trailer is wider than your car as it will follow you quiet happily most of time you won't even know it is there.

-------------
David

I've stood on Lego and didn't even cry!!

mc4martyc

12/3/2012 at 8:11am
Location: South Wales
Outfit: Coleman Coastline Deluxe 8

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 02/5/2011

Standard Member

Forum Posts: 96
Tent Reviews: 1

Site Reviews Total:	3

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

Thanks to the advice from me too. Just bought my trailer and am going away with it in 2 weeks so was looking for some tips myself. Its a little streetwise camel the smaller one but will be packed higher with my sun lounger chairs and table tops used for sides, a couple of ratchet straps to tie it down with a tarp and a cargo net over the top of it all. As every other trailer owner, by the sounds of it, i'm not looking forward to reversing but as its kind of the norm to unhook its not gonna be too embaressing lol. I have heard wagon drivers also say they can reverse a full size hgv but can't reverse a small trtailer.

In order to post a reply you will need to register, or if already registered please log in here

Prev Next
Quick Links - All Forums - Camping under canvas - Top of Page

Printable version

Latest News, Discounts and Competitions see all...

10638 Visitors online !

Free UKCampsite.co.uk Window Sticker - Recommend to Friend - Add a Missing Campsite

[Message Forums] [Caravan Sites & Camping] [Company Listings] [Features / Advice] [Virtual Brochure] [Shop!]
[Reception] [Competitions] [Caravans & Motorhomes For Sale] [Event Diary] [Contact Us] [Tent Reviews]

Please note we are not responsible for the content of external sites & any reviews represent the author's personal view only. Please report any error here. You may view our privacy and cookie policy and terms and conditions here. All copyrights & other intellectual property rights in the design and content of this web site are reserved to the UKCampsite.co.uk © 1999 - 2024

UKCampsite.co.uk
2024 Advent Calendar

24 Daily Prizes PLUS a Christmas Day Star Prize worth £999

Request a Reminder